Retinal Vein Occlusion Treatment

Retinal vein occlusion, a condition that affects the blood flow in the retina, can lead to significant vision issues if left untreated. At the Center for Retina and Macular Disease, we offer advanced treatments for retinal vein occlusions, including both central retinal vein occlusion and branch retinal vein occlusion, to protect and restore your vision.

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What is Retinal Vein Occlusion?

Retinal vein occlusion occurs when one of the retinal veins becomes blocked, often by a blood clot. This blockage can disrupt blood flow, causing fluid leakage and swelling, which can lead to conditions like macular edema or the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Retinal vein occlusions are classified into two types:

Central retinal vein occlusion, where the main vein of the retina is blocked, often resulting in widespread vision loss.
Branch retinal vein occlusion, where a smaller branch of the retinal veins is affected, typically causing more localized vision issues.

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Symptoms of Retinal Vein Occlusion

Common symptoms include:

Blurred or distorted vision
Sudden or gradual vision loss in one eye
Swelling in the macula, known as macular edema
Dark spots or floaters in your vision due to vitreous hemorrhage

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to schedule an appointment for an evaluation.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Retinal vein occlusion is often caused by underlying health conditions or risk factors that affect blood flow. These include:

High blood pressure, which can damage the walls of the retinal veins
Glaucoma where the interocular pressure is elevated
Blood clotting disorders
Age, as retinal vein occlusion is more common in older adults

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Benefits of Retinal Vein
Occlusion Treatment

Timely treatment for retinal vein occlusion can:

Reduce swelling in the macula and improve vision clarity
Minimize the growth of abnormal blood vessels that can worsen the condition
Address secondary issues, such as macular edema
Prevent further complications, such as severe vision loss or vitreous hemorrhage

Are You a Candidate for Retinal Vein Occlusion Treatment?

You might need treatment if you experience:

Blurred vision or sudden vision loss
Symptoms associated with central retinal vein occlusion or branch retinal vein occlusion
Macular edema caused by fluid leakage from affected blood vessels

What to Expect During Retinal Vein Occlusion Treatment

Your eye doctor will begin with a thorough evaluation to diagnose retinal vein occlusion. This includes a detailed dilated eye exam and imaging tests to assess the affected retinal vein, check for macular edema, and identify any abnormal blood vessel growth. Based on your specific condition, your doctor might recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Injection Therapy: Medications targeting vascular endothelial growth factor are injected into the eye to reduce swelling and stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
Laser Therapy: In some cases, laser treatment is used to seal leaking blood vessels or prevent further damage caused by macular edema.
Monitoring and Management: For mild cases, regular monitoring and addressing underlying risk factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, might be sufficient.

Your eye doctor will guide you through the treatment plan and provide personalized care to protect your vision.

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Risks of Retinal Vein Occlusion Treatment

While retinal vein occlusion treatments are effective, there are potential risks, such as infection, inflammation, or an incomplete response to therapy. Managing underlying conditions and seeking early treatment significantly reduces these risks and helps achieve the best outcomes.

Signs You Should Meet with an Eye Specialist

If you experience any of the following symptoms, schedule an evaluation with an eye specialist:

Persistent blurred vision or sudden vision loss in one eye
Symptoms of macular edema, such as swelling or distortion in your central vision
New floaters or dark spots in your vision

Additionally, you should see an eye doctor if it has been more than a year since your last eye exam, even if you are not experiencing noticeable symptoms. Early detection is key to maintaining long-term eye health.